Yondr

Columbia High School will be utilizing Yondr pouches to implement a phone-free environment starting in September 2025. Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch on the first day of school – a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day and keeping it in good condition.

  • Upon arrival: Students power off their phone, AirPods, and smartwatch (or switch to airplane mode), place all devices in the pouch, and lock it during their first period class.
  • During the day: Students keep the locked pouch in their backpack, locker or in their pocket.
  • At dismissal: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to access their devices.

This process is quick, simple, and will be supervised by staff as part of our daily routine.

About Yondr

For over a decade, Yondr has helped schools across all 50 states and more than 35 countries build healthier, more engaging school cultures. Their pouch-based program, combined with hands-on guidance and dedicated support, has led to powerful results:

  • 86% reported improved safety and student wellness
  • 84% saw increased engagement in class
  • 68% experienced academic gain
  • 44% reduced behavioral referrals

FAQ: Yondr Pouches

Q: What is a Yondr pouch?
A: The Yondr Pouch is a secure bag that is used to store an individual’s mobile device or devices. It is secured and unlocked with a special magnetic locking device.

Q: How will students receive a Yondr pouch?
A: On the first day of school in September, all students in grades 9-12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch to secure their phone and/or smartwatch. The pouch is the property of the school and is considered on loan to the student during the school year. Students are responsible for the Yondr pouch at all times and for bringing the pouch to and from school each day and keeping them in good condition.

Q: How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?
A: Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.

Q: How is the “end of the day” defined?
A: The end of the day is 2:03 p.m. Students who leave school before 2:03 will be able to unlock their phones as they leave.

Q: Will my student’s phone be safe?
A: Phones never leave the possession of the students.

Q: What if a student does not comply or damages the locked case to access their phone?
A: Students who are found to unlock the pouches, cause damage to the pouch, or use an alternate phone will be subject to disciplinary action.

Q: What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr Pouch?
A: The phone will be turned over to the main office staff and secured in the school, until the end of the school day. At the end of the school day, students will retrieve their phone by showing their school ID.

Q: If a student forgets to unlock the pouch before leaving the building, is there a way for students to unlock the pouch – i.e. an unlock station outside the school building?
A: There will not be an unlocking station outside the building. If the student forgets to unlock their pouch, they will be able to return to school before the last late bus departs to unlock it.

Q: Will each teacher be able to unlock the pouches in the event of an active shooter in the building or a lockdown due to swatting?
A: No. Individual teachers will not be able to unlock the pouches.

Q: Will my student still be able to listen to music?
A: Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches, and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.

Q: What if a student needs to leave the building before regular dismissal?
A: If a student needs to leave school early for an approved early dismissal, medical emergency, work assignment, athletic event, or other school-sponsored trip, students will be able to unlock their devices at school just prior to their departure. If returning to school during the instructional day, the Yondr pouch would be locked upon re-entry to the building.

Q: What if I need to contact my child during the school day?
A: Parents/guardians who need to reach their child during the school day should contact our main office at 518-207-2000. Every classroom and office has a phone and we can quickly contact the student’s teacher.